Thermomechanical Properties of Polymer Matrix composites Based on Cellulose Reinforcements Derived from Biomass
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Date
2017-12-12
Authors
Dardouk, Bayan
Haj-Ahmad, Deema
Walwel, Heyam
Sawalha, Mohamad
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Abstract
Large quantities of agricultural wastes and biomass are emerged daily from human activities causing several environmental problems; mainly when they are burned or thrown irregularly in open areas or dumpsites. Many methods could be utilized to overcome this problem, which may include converting theses wastes into energy or into useful derived products such as cellulose. In this project cellulose reinforcements were extracted from agricultural waste (corn stalks) and wood by using suitable method of extraction. The extracted cellulose will be extensively characterized using FTIR. The produced cellulose was used as reinforcement for low density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix to improve its mechanical and thermal properties. Cellulosic reinforcement was added in different volume (2.5-10 %v/v) to a plastic sheet distributed randomly by using Tow-Roll mill, plastic sheets and composite sheets were processed by the use of thermal press molding (film stacking) at a temperature of (130ºC). The effect of composition on the mechanical and thermal properties were tested by using the universal testing machine (UTM) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The mechanical properties of the produced composites using LDPE and cellulose fibers extracted from corn stalks and OISW at different composition show that the strength of the produced composite decreased by adding cellulose. Whereas, the mechanical properties of LDPE and cellulose powder extracted from wood and the wood with the addition of maleic anhydride indicate that the strength of the produced composites increased. The thermal properties of the composite which contains LDPE and cellulose that was extracted from wood with the addition of maleic anhydride had the highest melting point (112.06°C) and the highest percentage of crystallinity (25%). In addition, the one without the addition of maleic anhydride was as high percentage of crystallinity as 24%. The increase of them maybe related to the fact that the reinforcement acts as enucleating agent.